Health Minister Mike Nesbitt today confirmed the funding position in relation to the Real Living Wage (RLW) for homecare workers.

Mike Nesbitt said,

“I was recently directed to commit a total of £209million for pay uplifts to staff groups covered by the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body and the NHS Pay Review Body.

“Although that did not include a direction on RLW for staff employed in the independent sector, I am fully committed to resolving all our pay issues going forward and to funding the RLW at the earliest affordable opportunity. This will be a priority for me in the planning of our expenditure for the financial year 2026/27.

“As and when this uplift is possible it will be my intention to ensure that the funding is ring fenced, allocated transparently and with clear timing.

“I am aware this will be disappointing, but I hope that we can maintain the positive working relationships built-up in the past. I wish to see due recognition of the dedicated social care sector professionals who play such a vital role in our health and social care system.”